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The Bulwark is home to Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Bill Kristol, JVL, Sam Stein, and more. We are the largest pro-democracy bundle on Substack for news and analysis on politics and culture—supported by a community built on good-faith. www.thebulwark.com

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United States

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The Bulwark is home to Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Bill Kristol, JVL, Sam Stein, and more. We are the largest pro-democracy bundle on Substack for news and analysis on politics and culture—supported by a community built on good-faith. www.thebulwark.com

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English


Episodes
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Rahm Emanuel: “It’s time to take a power washer to Washington, DC”

2/22/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Rahm Emanuel joins John Avlon to argue that Washington needs a full reset—age limits across all three branches, bans on congressional stock trading, strict Supreme Court ethics rules, and an end to “investor days” in the Oval Office. Watch, listen and leave a comment. The How to Fix It with John Avlon podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add this podcast to your player of choice, here. Ad-free editions are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members.

Duration:00:22:51

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Minnesota Superintendent Fires Back at JD Vance Over Child Detentions

2/21/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Sam Stein is joined by Columbia Heights Superintendent Zena Stenvik for a sobering conversation about what happened when ICE began targeting families in her school district. After multiple students were detained, including five-year-old Liam Ramos, Stenvik describes how her community mobilized, how schools shifted to online learning out of fear, and why she says “we can never normalize this.” It’s a firsthand account of how Trump's national immigration policy collides with real kids, real classrooms, and real consequences. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:12:42

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Are Americans Getting a Refund from the Illegal Tariffs?

2/21/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Catherine Rampell is joined by Obama’s former U.S. Trade Representative Mike Froman for his take on Friday’s landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's emergency tariffs. They explore the implications of the court’s decision on executive power, the future of U.S. trade policy under Trump, and what it means for American consumers. Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:13:59

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Supreme Court Slams Door on Trump’s Tariff Power Grab (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

2/21/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a 6–3 decision—including votes from two of his own appointees. Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissmann explain why the Court said Congress, not the president, controls the power to tax, what the “major questions” fight was really about, and why Chief Justice Roberts appeared to take direct aim at Kavanaugh’s dissent. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live in Texas at TheBulwark.com/Events Watch, listen and leave a comment. Access to this show’s community comments and ad-free editions are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Bulwark+ members can listen ad-free on your podcast player of choice—click SET UP here. The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell, formerly known as George Conway Explains It All (to Sarah Longwell), is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Leave us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ so more people can find this important show from The Bulwark.

Duration:00:15:29

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Texas-Sized Scandal (with Eric Benson)

2/21/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Sen. John Cornyn has been a consistent ally of President Trump. Even Trump likes him just fine...but that may not be enough to save him in Texas, because he may have just been too mild-mannered for too long. He's running against a scandal-plagued (but combative) Attorney General, and a less scandal-plagued (but also less known) newcomer. Texas Monthly writer Eric Benson joins Sarah to break down the Republican brawl in the Lone Star State.Show notes:Eric Benson's John Cornyn profile: The Last Ride of Big Bad John Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Hit that like 🤍 button and share this episode with a friend. Ad-free editions are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Upgrade now to listen without ads and to join the community in the comments. The Focus Group with Sarah Longwell is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Click to find the show or add this podcast to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:11:44

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Trump Has Total Tantrum After Supreme Court Loss

2/20/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim Miller and Sonny Bunch give their takes on Trump’s bizarre temper tantrum after the Supreme Court ruled against his emergency tariffs. In weird mood lighting, Trump bashed the Supreme Court justices, announced new tariffs, and kept repeating stories about how much men want to kiss him. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:04:00

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Trump Wants to Be King of the World (Live from Minneapolis)

2/20/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com JVL, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein team up, live in Minneapolis, to dish on how Donald Trump kicked off his new Board of Peace by threatening to go to war with Iran and why other countries are holding people accountable in Epstein-related cases while elites in the United States have dealt with few consequences. Plus, Bill Kristol crashes the party to sling some takes about the potential field of Democratic presidential candidates in 2028. Watch, listen, and leave a comment. This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

Duration:00:18:56

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Michael Weiss: Trump’s Fee-Fees Are Hurt

2/20/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Of course, SCOTUS struck down Trump’s stupid tariffs. Nearly every legal expert in America said they were unconstitutional, but we have had to live with them for more than a year. Now, he’s threatening war on Iran apparently because it’s not fair that Obama got a Nobel and he didn’t. Meanwhile, as we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Putin still holds out hope he can seize all of the country. Plus, Marco is working on getting Cuba to be the next domino to fall, Trump’s Board of Peace is pushing a complete fantasy in Gaza, the battle against ICE in Minnesota is not over, and Gold Medal-winner Alysa Liu—a California lib, and a child of an immigrant—represents the shining city on a hill. She is America. Michael Weiss joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes * Michael's Substack * Alysa Liu's gold-winning performance * The Gettysburg Address * Shaun Walker on how most of Europe dismissed the intel on Putin's invasion plans * Tim's playlist * Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Podcast are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller is available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. New shows drop each weekday afternoon. If you like the show, leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen. Add The Bulwark Podcast to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:11:43

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BREAKING: Supreme Court BLOCKS Trump's Tariffs

2/20/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger take on the breaking news that the SCOTUS has blocked Trump's tariffs. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:11:32

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Sarah and JVL: Live from Minneapolis

2/20/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com This week Sarah and JVL did the show with a thousand of their best friends at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll never be able to erase the mind picture of Kid Rock and RFK Jr. as Never Nudes. Come and relive the magic with us in the comments. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is…

Duration:00:06:22

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Oscar-Nominated Doc Exposes Alabama's Brutal Prisons

2/20/2026
This week, I’m joined by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman to discuss their Oscar-nominated documentary, The Alabama Solution. Currently streaming on HBO, their documentary combines interviews, investigative journalism, and footage from within the prisons themselves obtained via contraband cellphones to reveal the horrible and dangerous living conditions of those serving time in the Alabama correctional system. It’s a documentary primed to shock the conscience, and I hope everyone out there watches it—even, perhaps especially, if you do not consider yourself a prison reform advocate. You can also go to the documentary’s website, TheAlabamaSolution.com, to learn more about the deaths inside Alabama’s prisons. And if you think this is an important film and an important issue, please share it with a friend. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Duration:00:53:46

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"The Alabama Solution" May Change How You See Prisons (w/ Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman)

2/19/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Sonny Bunch speaks with Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman to discuss their Oscar-nominated documentary, The Alabama Solution. Currently streaming on HBO, their documentary combines interviews, investigative journalism, and footage from within the prisons themselves obtained via contraband cellphones to reveal the horrible and dangerous living conditions of those serving time in the Alabama correctional system. It’s a documentary primed to shock the conscience, and I hope everyone out there watches it—even, perhaps especially, if you do not consider yourself a prison reform advocate.Go to https://TheAlabamaSolution.com to learn more about the deaths inside Alabama’s prisons. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:14:23

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Sen. Tina Smith: The Bulwark LIVE from Minneapolis

2/19/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com The junior senator from Minnesota joined Tim on Wednesday for the first show of a two-night Bulwark run at the historic Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis—the city that caught ICE off-guard with its "radical empathy" and kick-ass organizing skills. It was the "secret sauce" of Minnesotans that looks to have federal agents winding down their operation there. Plus, Democrats need to continue to hold the line on DHS funding, the incompetent clown atop the DoD and other loser Republicans, the Senate is fundamentally broken, and the beauty of retiring to make way for a new generation of leaders. Sen. Tina Smith joins Tim Miller. show notes * Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Podcast are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller is available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. New shows drop each weekday afternoon. If you like the show, leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen. Add The Bulwark Podcast to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:09:25

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Former General: Hegseth’s Loyalty Tests Are Paralyzing Military Promotions | Command Post

2/19/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com In this edition of Command Post, Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on the alarming report that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is blocking military promotions because one colonel worked for Gen. Mark Milley, a former Trump adviser turned foe. Plus, the team breaks down the “toxic leadership” behind Kristi Noem’s Coast Guard scandal and why the Trump administration’s approach to NATO at the Munich Security Conference missed the point. Europe isn’t a burden, it’s America’s secret weapon.Read more from retired Lt. Gen. Hertling: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/americas-generals-shouldnt-face-political-loyalty-tests-hegseth-promotion-list-butler-milley-armyhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/europe-is-americas-secret-weapon-giving-it-up-munich-security-conference-rubio-colby-nato-eu-germanyHave a question that you'd like us to consider for a future episode of Command Post? Send an email to commandpost@thebulwark.com. Please include your name, how to pronounce it and where you're located. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:06:00

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FDA Reverses Decision About Moderna Flu Vaccine

2/18/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Andrew Egger and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on the stunning back-and-forth at the FDA over Moderna’s new mRNA flu vaccine, why the agency initially refused to even review the application, and what the sudden reversal says about political pressure inside the Trump administration’s health agencies. Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:07:32

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RFK Jr. Drinks Whole Milk in a Hot Tub With Kid Rock

2/18/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Sam Stein, Will Sommer and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on RFK Jr.’s bizarre HHS video featuring Kid Rock, whole milk in a hot tub, push-ups in jeans, cold plunges, pickleball, and the increasingly strange aesthetics of the MAHA movement. Why is the Department of Health and Human Services posting this? And who exactly is this messaging for: MAHA moms, the manosphere, or the online right? But beyond the absurd video, the trio digs into the serious policy story underneath. While RFK Jr. leans into culture-war health branding, the Trump administration is making technical but meaningful changes to the Affordable Care Act, loosening coverage requirements, and cutting federal health spending, including major reductions to Medicaid. Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:04:00

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Mark Leibovich: Democrats Are Too Afraid of Hurting People’s Feelings

2/18/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Most Democratic politicians are scared to criticize each other. They also fear dinging former presidents, or the various groups that make up the party’s broad coalition. And too many Dem candidates are afraid to color outside the lines, even if voters want them to be less establishment and more like regular people. Can the party get it together before the midterms? Plus, Trump’s threat of war against Iran, and his reported intent to kill Netflix’s bid to takeover Warner Discovery—potentially giving him power over CBS, CNN, Fox, and TikTok. The Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich joins Tim Miller. show notes * Mark's Atlantic piece, "The Democrats Aren’t Built for This" * Jonathan Alter on Trump's attempt to scuttle a Netflix-Warner deal * Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for tonight's show in Minneapolis. TheBulwark.com/Events. As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Podcast are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller is available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. New shows drop each weekday afternoon. If you like the show, leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen. Add The Bulwark Podcast to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:10:41

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Steve Bannon Sued Over FJB Coin Scheme

2/18/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the latest lawsuit against Steve Bannon. The suit alleges investors behind a pro-Trump meme coin that Bannon promoted saw $2.7 million in transaction fees meant for charity go missing. They break down how the “FJB Coin,” launched to capitalize on the “Let’s Go Brandon” movement, promised that a portion of every transaction would go to conservative-friendly charities, but now investors claim the money can’t be accounted for. Plus, they explore Bannon’s ongoing ties to Jeffrey Epstein and what it all means for his standing in Trumpworld.Read more from Will’s reporting: Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:05:56

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They Don’t Want Borders. They Want Your Ballot (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

2/17/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Andrew Weissmann explains to Sarah Longwell the new filing from officials in Georgia’s Fulton County election office attacking the FBI's search of the county's election records last month. They also discuss the latest around ICE cases in Minnesota and get to Sarah's rapid fire questions. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live in Minneapolis and Texas at TheBulwark.com/Events Watch, listen and leave a comment. Access to this show’s community comments and ad-free editions are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Bulwark+ member can listen ad-free on your podcast player of choice—click SET UP here. The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell, formerly known as George Conway Explains It All (to Sarah Longwell), is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Leave us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ so more people can find this important show from The Bulwark.

Duration:00:08:00

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Anderson Cooper Walks Away from CBS and 60 Minutes

2/17/2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim Miller and JVL give their takes on the escalating drama at CBS. The Colbert-Talarico interview controversy is less about FCC fears and more about high-stakes merger politics tied to CBS’ fight to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. They break down Bari Weiss’ role at CBS News, the internal fight over contributor Peter Attia following disgusting emails he sent to Jeffrey Epstein, and why Weiss drove Anderson Cooper to not renew his deal at 60 Minutes. As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Duration:00:08:02